We're just mere hours from the passing of the non-waiver trade deadline, so let's pass some time opening up this week's Nationals dot com Mailbag! As always, keep those e-mails coming to Nationals.com, and we'll keep copying and pasting them over here and giving our half-assed answers. Thanks a bunch.
With the signing of Dmitri Young, is it safe to say the Nationals truly do not care about rebuilding? -- P. R., Oakton, Va.
It's not really safe to say that, but it is safe to say that the NAAAts could have easily signed Da Meat Hook tomorrow in the event that a trade didn't materialize. It is also safe to say that taking Young and Belliard off the table when they did certainly doesn't help the rebuilding process.
Does Young have enough mobility to play in left field? -- S. C., Potomac, Md.
Haha, sure, why not?
Why do the Nationals keep Brian Schneider in the staring lineup? He is hitting .228 with four home runs and 37 RBIs. He almost could be considered an automatic out. It's like there is another pitcher hitting in their lineup. Will the Nationals do anything? -- P. R., Oakton, Va.
Maybe we'll see Jesus get more playing time as the season winds down?
Why doesn't someone teach Nook Logan how to bunt? He has the speed to squeeze out a couple of extra base hits a week. -- M. W., Nashville
Another way to ask the question is: why is Nook Logan still on the team?
What is the story with John Patterson? Do you think we'll ever see this guy pitch for the Nats again? And while we're on the subject of injuries, do you think Nick Johnson is finished for this year? -- T. D., Gettysburg, Pa.
RE: The Big Pattsy, we promised a few weeks ago that we won't mention him again by name (and won't talk about him, period) until he starts another regular season game for the NAAAts. And since that probably won't happen ever again, we'll respectfully move on. Yeah, it sure sounds like Nick J. is finished for this year.
I have always been a staunch supporter of Acta's, and am glad he is getting a chance to prove his worth as a big-league manager. How would you evaluate his work this season at the helm of the Nats? -- B. P., Plattsburgh, N.Y.
In general I think he's done an admirable job, I like his 'turn that frown upside down' attitude...
Now that Alex Escobar is down again and our current center fielders haven't been too refreshing, shouldn't the Nationals give Brandon Watson a chance? -- D. S., Washington, D.C.
Yes.
What is former Expos closer Rocky Biddle doing these days? I know he tore his labrum at the end of the 2004 season and I have not seen him anywhere since. -- P. N., Elmwood Park, NJ
Yes.